7 Sattvik Foods to Help Balance the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Right food and the right way of eating is extremely important in Ayurveda. Sattvic food is recommended strongly by Ayurveda to balance the body from within. It is considered the purest form of food that promotes health, a calm mind, and helps the flow of energy between the mind and body, which in turn keeps the soul at peace.

To align the body, mind, and soul into a perfect union certain foods have been recommended by Ayurveda.

Ghee:

Clarified butter made from cow’s milk is of great importance in Ayurveda. It is sweet tasting, cold and heavy. Extracting ghee from milk can be done easily at home; and incorporating into your food is considered wholesome by Ayurveda.

Sprouted whole Grains:

Grains are an essential part of a Sattvic meal and sprouted grains are given higher weightage by Ayurveda. Make sure you include them in your meals; but avoid having them with leavened breads.

Fresh Organic Fruit:

Apples, grapes, oranges, plums, berries, peaches, and bananas are considered Sattvic, while tomatoes are considered Rajasic and should be consumed in moderation. While fasting, Sattvic fruits are recommended.

Honey:

Honey is the accepted form of sweetener in Ayurveda, but moderate consumption is recommended. While pure sugarcane juice is recommended, processed sugar should be reduced or avoided.

Organic Vegetables:

Organic vegetables are highly recommended. However, mushrooms, potatoes, garlic, onions, and hot peppers are not considered Sattvic, and thus should be avoided.

Nuts, Seeds and Oils:

Soaking nuts and seeds overnight for consumption is recommended. Nuts that are roasted and salty are not considered Sattvic. Among the oils sesame oil, ghee, and coconut oil are recommended. Among nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts get an okay from Ayurveda practitioners.

Legumes:

Legumes are important in an ayurvedic diet as they easily digestible. They are rich source of protein.

Herbs:

Herbs find an important place in Ayurvedic diet and some of them are listed as important since they not only heal but also help in meditation. They are:

• Ashwagandha which helps alleviating stress, fatigue and helps concentration.
• Tulsi is the Holy basil has tremendous medicinal properties .
• Kesar has the unique property to pacify all the three dosas
• Vacha is used as a sedative and a muscle relaxant
• Brahmi is used for enhancing memory as well reducing anxiety
• Mandukaparni helps with meditation
• Gingko has medicinal properties that helps with diseases affecting the heart, kidneys and lungs.